Whether you’re looking for the best photography places in Chengdu or the most Instagrammable places in the city, you are in the right place. After spending one week in this city, I can say that I’ve seen most of it.
Even though Chengdu has many tall, concrete buildings, you can still find many streets and neighborhoods with traditional Chinese architecture. Chengdu is definitely a modern city but it still has that traditional twist and this is one of the reasons why I loved it so much.
Below are my favorite photography spots in Chengdu.
Anshun Lang Bridge
Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Anshun Lang Bridge is located on Jinjiang River. As you probably already know, Chengdu is a city where the sun can be seen on the sky just a few days per year (for the rest of the days, the sky is completely grey).
Taking a photo of the Anshun Lang Bridge with a grey sky behind may not be the perfect setting. This is why I recommend taking pictures during the night when all the lights on the bridge are lit and they are reflecting into the water.
Wuhou Shrine
Probably one of the most Instagrammable places in Chengdu, the Wuhou Shrine is heaven for photographers. From its many beautiful gardens to the beautiful temples and the famous red walls, Wuhou Shrine is one of the must see places in Chengdu.
Being such an important tourist attraction, the shrine can get pretty busy and full of people. This is why I recommend visiting it early in the morning when there are not that many tourists (the temple opens at 8 am).
The most famous part of Wuhou Shrine is the path framed by the famous red walls. Don’t hesitate to take some photos here!
Sichuan Opera
Another perfect place for photography in Chengdu is the Sichuan Opera. A visit to the opera is great if you want to photograph a piece of the Chinese culture. The opera has different acts such as singing, dancing, shadow puppetry, and acting.
Since standing up during the show is prohibited, I recommend standing in the back of the hall – you will have the best view from there. Also, if you want to photograph some close-ups of the costumes, I recommend a lens with a good zoom and a full frame camera.
Sichuan Opera is definitely one of the Instagram places in Chengdu and for good reason: you won’t find anywhere else such beautiful costumes and amazing performances.
Qintai Road
Qintai Road is one of the most beautiful streets in Chengdu and the perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts. Here you will find traditional Chinese architecture and a wide variety of shops. I recommend photographing the beautiful pointy rooftops and explore how the local life unfolds on the street.
Bonus tip: at the end of the road, towards the river, there is one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve ever seen. Don’t hesitate to stop by and take some amazing photos.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Probably the number one reason why people are visiting Chengdu is to see the pandas. The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the most famous places for photography in Chengdu and you can’t miss it!
Reward yourself with a day filled with cuteness and love for these amazing animals – the pandas. If you are lucky enough, you can even see the baby pandas (5-6 months) climbing in the trees and fooling around.
Kuan Zhai Alley
With endless shopping opportunities and hidden alleys, the Kuan Zhai Alley is one of my favorite Chengdu photography spots. Also known as the Wide and Narrow Street, these two streets are full of both local and international tourists in search for souvenirs and local food.
However, if you explore the smaller alleys and the stores’ interior, you will be surprised. You will find cute alleys with red lanterns, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking architecture – just perfect for some awesome photos.